Pakistan-Iran trade stalls as 18,000 containers stranded
Iranian transport officials say about 18,000 containers remain stuck after March 2026 rerouting, with clearance costs for some shipments exceeding cargo values.
About 18,000 Iranian containers are estimated to be stranded in Pakistani ports.
For some shipments, storage, demurrage and overland costs have surpassed $25,000.
The blockage began in March 2026 after maritime restrictions linked to the war.
Owners of only about 1,000 containers have started clearance procedures.
An 80% fee discount previously negotiated has not been applied; a Chabahar sea option is not yet running.